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Thursday, January 30, 2014

Why sports analogies for business and war are retarded

Sports have well-defined rules, time limits, and referees. It is rare for any game to last more than a few hours. Injuries and deaths are rare. Victory is determined by score. Practice is the most important thing.

Wars have few if any rules. They last until one side gives up- something which often takes years. "All's fair in love and war." Crushing your opponent by any means necessary is the only goal. Determination is the most important thing.

Business is more similar to sports than war is. There are rules, referees, and score-keeping. Unlike sports, business is long-term and the rules and players change often. Flexibility is the most important thing.

In sum, sports, war, and business have nothing in common except strategy and teamwork. Just as boxing, figure skating, and golf have nothing in common except movement and breathing. It is stupid to apply the lessons of one to another.